DCI detectives have now arrested four suspects in connection with the abduction and alleged sodomization of blogger Bruce John alias “Chawa 001” for allegedly ‘insulting’ a top Mombasa County official.
Those arrested include; Abdul Hassan Athman who was in possession of motorcycle make Haojin Reg No. KMFV 410G believed to have been used during the incident, Esther Muthoni, Violet Adera and Haji Babu Ndau Mohamed alias Jay, a bodaboda operator who is said to have carried the victim but later escaped.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says Jay was arrested at Lukenya area in Athi River while on board a Dreamline Bus Company bus where he was suspected to have been running away from authorities.
The four and others who are still being sought, DCI says, are believed to have been involved in abduction and subsequent gang rape/sodomy of the 25-year-old blogger on 12th September, 2024.
Investigations have revealed that on the material day, the victim was accosted by a gang of over 10 individuals riding on motorbikes while in his house at Bamburi Mwisho, Mombasa County, where they forced their entry into his house by breaking his door.
Upon realizing that their actions would raise concerns from his neighbours, they deceived him that their mission was to take him to the Mombasa County Governor to apologize for a social media post allegedly made by him abusing the Governor and his family members.
“The victim was thereafter abducted and taken to an unknown location where he was assaulted and gang raped/sodomized. Investigations have further revealed that while all this was going on, the perpetrators were in constant communication with the planners for guidance on the next cause of action and alleged financial support to facilitate their movement,” the DCI reports.
The investigative agency adds: “After they were through with the heinous acts, they placed the victim inside a sack and dumped him at a thicket while unconscious. Later in the evening, the victim is said to have gained consciousness and was assisted by a good Samaritan to find his way out of the wilderness and locate his home.”
On the day he was discovered, his close friends took him to Coast General and Referral Hospital, but he was allegedly denied treatment forcing them to proceed to Beyond Scope Hospital in Kisauni where he was admitted.
The matter was reported at Bamburi Police Station vide OB. 32/13/09/2024 and investigations commenced. Statements were thereafter recorded and crucial evidence collected some of which has been subjected to forensic analysis.
On Monday, September 23, the suspects were arraigned at a Shanzu Law Court where they were charged with Conspiracy to commit a felony contrary to section 393 of the Penal Code, Abduction with intent to confine contrary to section 259 of the Penal Code, Gang Rape contrary to section 10 of the Sexual Offences Act number 3 of 2006 and Assault causing actual bodily harm contrary to section 251 of the Penal Code where they pleaded not guilty.
The court adjourned till 26th September, 2024 when it will deliver a ruling on their application to be released on bond or bail. The accused persons have been remanded at Shimo la Tewa Prison.
Investigations are on-going where it is expected that more suspects who were adversely mentioned and are connected to the incident will be arrested and arraigned.
The DCI has further summoned Senior Mombasa County Government officials who are believed to have collaborated with the perpetrators of the acts with a view to establish their roles and charge them accordingly.
